Haute-Loire places to visit and attractions
Below you can explore some of the most popular highlights and places of interest in the Haute-Loire department of Auvergne. See also our Haute-Loire travel guide
Allegre
Be sure to climb to the castle above Allegre to see the views after taking a stroll around the village See guide
Arlempdes
Arlempdes is a very small village but the character of the village, the ruined castle and the valley of the Loire combine to make it very picturesque See guide
Auzon
The cobbled streets of Auzon wind up the hill from the river, passing an imposing church and medieval houses See guide
Blesle
There are a remarkable number of sites of interest in the small village of Blesle because in medieval times it was an important town for the local Barons See guide
Brioude
Brioude is most visited for the Basilica Saint-Julien, the largest romanesque church in the Auvergne See guide
La Chaise-Dieu
The church, cloisters and Danse Macabre fresco in the abbey are the major attraction in La Chaise-Dieu See guide
Lavaudieu
Lavaoudieu is listed among the most beautiful villages in France, and has the roman style Abbey de Lavaudieu as principal attraction See guide
Le Puy-en-Velay
The town of Le Puy-en-Velay is very interesting to visit and an important pilgrimage town, as seen in its many religious monuments and statues. See guide
Pradelles
Both the picturesque historic village centre and the lovely viwes make Pradelles a highlight in the Haute-Loire department See guideFor more information see the Haute-Loire guide
Market towns & days in Haute-Loire
all markets in morning unless otherwise stated
Allegre: Wednesday
Aurec-sur-Loire: Wednesday & Friday
Bas-en-Basset: Wednesday
Blavozy: Sunday
Brioude: Saturday
Brives-Charensac: Friday
Chadrac: Sunday
Champagnac-le-Vieux: Friday
Costaros: Monday
Coubon: Sunday
Craponne-sur-Arzon: Saturday &
Dunieres: Friday
Fay-sur-Lignon: Wednesday & Sunday
Grazac: Sunday
La Chaise-Dieu: Thursday & Sunday
Landos: Tuesday
Langeac: Tuesday & Thursday &
Lantriac: Sunday
Lapte: Sunday
Laussonne: Thursday
Le Chambon-sur-Lignon: Wednesday & Saturday
Le Chambon-sur-Lignon: Wednesday (high season only)
Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille: Tuesday
Le Puy-en-Velay: Wednesday & Saturday
Monistrol-sur-Loire: Friday
Montfaucon-en-Velay: Wednesday
Paulhaguet: Monday
Polignac: Wednesday
Pont-Salomon: Wednesday
Pradelles: Thursday
Raucoules: Saturday
Retournac: Wednesday &
Riotord: Friday
Rosieres: Saturday
Saint-Didier-en-Velay: Wednesday & Sunday
Saint-Front: Friday
Saint-Julien-Chapteuil: Monday
Saint-Just-Malmont: Sunday &
Saint-Maurice-de-Lignon: Sunday
Saint-Pal-de-Chalencon: Wednesday
Saint-Victor-Malescours: Saturday
Sainte-Florine: Sunday
Tourist attractions to visit in Haute-Loire
The following sites have received official "tourist classifications"...
Towns of Art and History
Le Puy-en-Velay: See tourist guide
Sites of Natural Beauty
Lac du Bouchet
Secteur Sauvegardé (protected historical town centre)
Le Puy-en-Velay: See tourist guide
Religious Monuments
Abbaye Saint Pierre (Blesle)
Abbaye Saint-Andre (Lavaudieu)
Basilique de Saint Julien (Brioude)
Eglise de Saint Georges (Saint-Paulien)
Prieuré de Saint Julien (Saint-Julien-Chapteuil)
Regional Natural Parcs
Livradois-Forez: See tourist guide
Towns classified as Recommended Detours
Le Puy-en-Velay: See tourist guide
Villages classified as "most beautiful villages"
Arlempdes: See tourist guide
Blesle: See tourist guide
Lavaudieu: See tourist guide
Pradelles: See tourist guide
UNESCO world heritage sites
Le Puy-en-Velay cathédrale Notre-Dame (monuments on French pilgrim routes): See tourist guide
Le Puy-en-Velay Hotel-Dieu St Jacques (monuments on French pilgrim routes): See tourist guide